Wicked Little Letters (2023)

Wicked Little Letters takes us on a hilarious ride through 1920s small-town England. Prim and proper Edith Swan (Olivia Colman, in an absolute scene-stealer of a performance) finds her world turned upside down when she starts receiving a barrage of anonymous letters laced with shockingly crude language. Suspicion falls on her boisterous Irish neighbour, Rose Gooding (Jessie Buckley, equally captivating), but is everything as it seems? This delightful dramedy, with its surprising true-story inspiration, is a must-watch for anyone who enjoys a good laugh laced with social commentary.

The film excels in capturing the buttoned-up atmosphere of the era. Think Downton Abbey meets The Madness of King George, with a healthy dose of Monty Python thrown in for good measure. The script is peppered with witty dialogue that’s both shocking (get ready for some truly inventive uses of the English language!) and laugh-out-loud funny. One scene, where Edith hesitantly tries out a particularly colourful insult on a hapless delivery man, is pure comedic gold.

But Wicked Little Letters is more than just a laugh riot. Under the profanity-fueled chaos lies a deeper exploration of themes like female friendship, societal expectations, and the fight for self-expression. As the mystery unfolds, we see both Edith and Rose blossom, defying the rigid confines of their time. This exploration of female empowerment resonates strongly, particularly when contrasted with the film’s portrayal of stuffy male authority figures.

Director Thea Sharrock masterfully balances the film’s comedic and dramatic elements. The pace is brisk, keeping us engaged throughout, while the editing seamlessly blends witty asides with moments of genuine tenderness. The production design is spot-on, transporting us to a bygone era with its quaint streets and meticulously recreated interiors. The score is charmingly understated, allowing the focus to remain on the stellar performances.

Speaking of performances, the cast is simply phenomenal. Colman is a revelation as the repressed Edith, perfectly capturing her transformation from uptight spinster to unlikely champion. Buckley is equally brilliant as the fiery Rose, bringing warmth and humour to the role. Their on-screen chemistry is undeniable, making their unlikely friendship the heart and soul of the film. The supporting cast, including Anjana Vasan as a progressive police officer and Joanna Scanlon as Edith’s exasperated friend, all deliver strong performances that round out the story.

Not everything about Wicked Little Letters is perfect. The mystery itself, while entertaining, does feel a tad predictable.  There are also a few moments where the humour leans a bit too heavily on the shock value of the profanity, which might not sit well with everyone.

In spite of this, I thought Wicked Little Letters was a wonderful movie. It’s funny, heartwarming, and thought-provoking, with a powerful message about female empowerment. If you’re looking for a feel-good movie with a bit of bite, this one’s definitely worth checking out. Just be prepared to have your vocabulary expanded in some, ahem, unexpected ways!

(In cinemas on Thursday, March 21 — check your local movie guide for show times.)